High Blood Pressure Medicine Diltiazem
How does this high blood pressure medicine work? What will it do for me?
Diltiazem belongs to a family of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It is used as a high blood pressure medicine and to treat angina (chest pain). It works by relaxing blood vessels and by reducing the workload of the heart. The injectable form of this medication is sometimes used in the hospital to bring abnormal heart rhythms under control.
Your doctor may have suggested this medicine for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medicine, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of diltiazem can range from 30 mg to 360 mg daily. The capsules should not be chewed or crushed.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the high blood pressure medicine without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Keep this and other medications out of the reach of children.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Gen-Diltiazem is available as tablets in strengths of 30 mg and 60 mg.
30 mg: Each green, round tablet, marked with "DT 30" on one side and "G" on the other, contains diltiazem 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10 Quinoline Lake, ethanol, ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue No. 1 Brilliant Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, vegetable oil, and water.
60 mg: Each yellow, round tablet, marked with "DT 60" on one side and "G" on the other, contains diltiazem 60 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethanol, ethylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, vegetable oil, water, and Yellow Sunset Lake.
Who should NOT take this high blood pressure medicine?
This medication should not be taken by anyone who:
has certain types of heart rhythm problems
is allergic to diltiazem
has severe low blood pressure
has weakened pumping action of the heart
is or may become pregnant